Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Charleston is 11% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,632/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 5%
$90,038/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 32%
$469,100 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 28%
$1,688/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 3%
152,014
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $29,059/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Charleston or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $29,059/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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